Looking for a gentle, feel-good workout that fits well into a routine focused on cellulite? Maybe it’s time to give Pilates a try. If you’ve heard of it but aren’t quite sure what it involves, read on… You’ll find out about its principles, its benefits for the body and a few exercises you can do at home.
What is Pilates?
The Pilates method, commonly known simply as Pilates, is a physical discipline developed in the 20th century by Joseph Pilates. It is a “fusion” discipline, drawing from gymnastics, fitness, yoga and dance. Its goals are wide-ranging: strengthening deep muscles, improving posture, balancing the body, increasing flexibility in muscles and joints, and more broadly, enhancing overall physical function.
The Benefits of Pilates for Your Body
Joseph Pilates once said: “After 10 sessions of Pilates, you feel the difference. After 20 sessions, you see the difference. And after 30 sessions, you have a whole new body!” It’s a famous line, but one to take with a pinch of salt, as everyone progresses at their own pace. Here are the benefits most often associated with this practice:
- Improved posture
- Strengthening of deep muscles and balanced muscular development
- Greater joint flexibility – shoulders, elbows, hips, knees, ankles – and improved range of motion
- Increased flexibility in motor muscles (hamstrings, psoas…)
- Focus on breathing
- Engages the whole body
- Better control of your movements in everyday life
- Enhanced physical and mental coordination
- A moment to unwind
Does Practising Pilates Have an Effect on Cellulite?
But what about Pilates and cellulite specifically? Could this activity be a worthwhile addition to an anti-cellulite routine? Let’s look at what you can realistically expect…
Effects on Body Fat
Cellulite (particularly the adipose or fibrous type) is caused by an excess accumulation of fat in adipocytes – the subcutaneous fat cells. This overload causes them to increase in size and alter in structure. The result is visible on the skin’s surface: rather than being smooth, the skin develops those tell-tale dimples and bumps known as orange-peel skin, the bane of so many women.
Pilates exercises are designed to tone the muscles – especially those of the stomach – by reshaping them. They place intense demands on the deep muscles and require your body to expend energy while you practise. Regular Pilates sessions therefore keep your body working as you perform and hold the various positions.
Pilates won’t make cellulite disappear. However, regular practice tones the muscles, and your figure can look more toned and firmer.
Effects on Water Retention
Water retention and cellulite are closely linked. Water that is naturally present in the body can stay in the tissues instead of being eliminated through the usual routes. Women affected may notice aqueous cellulite, which has a puffy appearance and tends to appear on the lower body (thighs, legs, ankles).
Pilates engages the whole body, including the joints. Pilates postures work the various areas: neck, shoulders, chest, abdomen, pelvis and hips. Muscles also play a key role: when engaged, they effectively hold you steady in each posture.
Moving regularly is part of the usual advice for aqueous cellulite, but Pilates alone won’t make it disappear. If your legs feel heavy or swollen, speak to your GP.
Pilates and Cellulite: A Few Exercises to Try
1- Side Scissors
This exercise works the muscles of the hips and legs. It can be part of a Pilates routine focusing on the love handles and saddlebags.
- Lie on your side, hip on the floor, feet together, arm extended under your ear. Keep your body in a straight line.
- Hold your waist “in balance” – it should not touch the floor.
- Lift your legs slightly and begin with a set of ten wide scissors: one leg extended forward, the other back.
- Alternate the position of your legs while staying stable. Your pelvis should not move.
- Follow with a set of twenty small-range scissors, as if you were walking in mid-air.
- Remember to breathe deeply throughout the exercise.
2- Squats
This exercise works the thighs and buttocks, while asking you to keep your upper body and pelvis stable. It can be part of a routine focusing on the thighs and buttocks.
- Stand upright, arms extended in front of you, back straight and feet firmly planted on the floor.
- Perform a set of ten squats: lower yourself with knees bent and back straight, keeping your arms extended in front of you.
- Exhale as you lower, inhale as you rise.
- Follow with a second type of squat: balancing on one leg, extend the other behind you with arms raised toward the ceiling.
- With each exhale, extend your leg and foot as far back as possible, keeping your back straight and arms raised, while maintaining your balance.
- Switch legs.
3- Bridge
This exercise works the abdominal area and can complement a routine focusing on the stomach.
- Lie on the floor, shoulders flat, knees bent, feet hip-width apart, arms alongside your body.
- With each inhale, slowly lift your pelvis, lower back and abdomen upward.
- As you exhale, lower yourself back down gradually: upper back first, then lower back, then buttocks.
What Anti-Cellulite Treatments to Use After a Pilates Session?
To round off your Pilates session with a skincare routine, you can use our Anti-Cellulite Method. Start by exfoliating your skin in the shower with our Cellulite Scrub. Then massage the areas affected by cellulite: apply oil to your thighs, stomach or legs and let the cupping cup and the orange-peel massager do the work! These treatments can complement your Pilates routine.
Olivia’s review (age 28) – ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5/5
Convinced: “I noticed results in a short time thanks to this pack, particularly on my buttocks where I had stubborn cellulite. I plan to use this pack again soon and before summer to maintain the results I’ve achieved so far. My advice: buy this product and be consistent with daily, dedicated use!”
This is her personal experience: every skin responds in its own way.
Related articles
- Daily at-home exercises to reduce the look of cellulite
- 6 Pilates Exercises with a Small Ball
- Top 6 resistance band shoulder exercises
Useful categories: Anti-Cellulite Exercises.
